Clinton Talk Focuses on Friendship, Politics and Global Agriculture

President Bill Clinton gives the inaugural Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecture.

Dale Bumpers, from right, Betty Bumpers and Jane Gearhart react to Clinton's lecture.

Clinton talked about his foundation's efforts to help international agriculture.

Clinton's lecture ranged from international policy to fond memories of Fayetteville.

The inaugural lecture for the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

After the lecture, Clinton took questions from two Bumpers College students.

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Former President Bill Clinton spoke on campus April 15 as the inaugural Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecturer.

President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42^nd president of the United States, addressed approximately 600 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the University of Arkansas Sunday evening in the Arkansas Union’s Verizon Ballroom. He was the inaugural speaker of the Dale and Betty Bumpers Distinguished Lecture Program sponsored by the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.

Former President Clinton, who has known Dale Bumpers for 40 years, thanked him as well as former Sen. David Pryor for their leadership and friendship over the years. He said he considers Bumpers to be “one of the keenest judges of human nature” he has ever met.

President Clinton discussed the effects of poor agriculture in developing countries, a topic about which he is passionate. He has traveled around the world to learn about the challenges many countries face and to help them identify systems to improve their situations.

“We have to learn how to feed developing countries,” he said, “and we have to learn how to feed our own country better.”

Like Betty Bumpers, President Clinton is also passionate about health care. He spoke about the growing number of individuals, children in particular, suffering from conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

“One of the things I think all of you should know is the influence Betty Bumpers has had on people who care about the welfare of children all around the world,” he said.

The annual lecture program symbolizes Bumpers College's recognition of three vital issues: the international prominence of Arkansas agricultural and food industries; the importance of environmental stewardship for the strength and vibrancy of our economy; and the quality of life as championed by Betty Bumpers on behalf of child wellness, human development and healthy living choices.

Following the lecture, students participated in a question and answer session with Clinton on topics related to agriculture, politics and education.

“President Clinton’s participation as our inaugural speaker was a real honor,” said Michael Vayda, dean of the Bumpers College. “His message clearly highlighted the fundamental reasons we honor the legacies of Dale and Betty Bumpers. This was an exceptionally meaningful experience for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, and we extend our deepest appreciation to President Clinton for taking the time to be a part of this important event.

“We are proud of the excellent questions asked by our students,” Vayda continued. “It’s a testament to the quality of students we have in Bumpers College.”

President Clinton also spoke about his love for the university and Fayetteville.

“It’s as exciting for me to be here today as it was 53 years ago,” he said. “The whole essence of university life is that life is a constant process of learning and no one is right all the time.”

More information about the program, former President Clinton and Dale and Betty Bumpers can be found here: http://newswire.uark.edu/article.aspx?id=18151.